TNA DVD news; Jokers Wild 2013

TNA: ONE NIGHT ONLY JOKER'S WILD

Friends and foes are thrown together in a battle of wills, motivated by money... TNA Wrestling presents “ONE NIGHT ONLY: JOKER'S WILD”

For One Night Only, TNA throws it's roster up in the air for Joker's Wild... Old partners will reunite and bitter enemies must collaborate in order to advance through the tournament, as tag teams are chosen at random and expected to work together to reach the penultimate main event. Once in the finals however, any friendships or forged alliances will quickly disappear as competitors will face off in a winner-takes-all gauntlet battle royale, where it's every man for himself and the winner takes home $100,000! Although in pairs, it's every man for himself.

Literally anything can happen in this mass mix up of iconic wreslting icons, who will be tagged with their greatest enemies? Who will be using strategies of their own to come out victorious? The hand has been dealt in Joker's Wild...

24 of TNA Wrestling's finest compete for glory and betray for riches, including:

James Storm, Samoa Joe, Booby Roode, Mr. Anderson, Al Snow, RVD, Christopher Daniels, Douglas Williams, Joseph Park, Matt Morgan, Hernandez, Rob Terry, Kid Kash, Devon and D.O.C.

TNA's One Night Only JOKER'S WILD is available from the 26th August 2013 online at www.amazon.co.uk andwww.TNADVD.co.uk.

TNA One Night Only - Joker's Wild Review

TNA One Night Only - Joker's Wild 2013 review

By Phil Allely

His career may have stalled when he lost the TNA World Heavyweight Championship, but recent matches have shown James Storm to be a man at the top of his game. His performance throughout the recent Joker's Wild 'One Night Only' event proved that too. He stole the show and won the match by beating his former team mate Bobby Roode in the over the top rope finale of the show.

The tournament itself (shown this week in the UK on Challenge) was the second of TNA's new themed event events. This time around TNA brought back its very popular Joker's Wild format. Here tag teams were drawn at random and pitted against another team. The winning teams would then go on to a (WCW Battlebowl style) battle royal, where the last man standing would win a $100,000 prize.

Kicking things off James Storm and Christian York made pretty easy work of the returning duo of Crimson and Gunner. Storm and York would make a wonderful tag team in your reviewers opinion.

Jessie Godderz took most of the punishment in the next bout. Teaming with Mr Anderson Godderz really looked vulnerable and beaten down by opponents Kid Kash and Doug Williams. Anderson did however finally get a hot tag and decimated all to pull off the win.

Former X Division stars Christopher Daniels and Samoa Joe united next to form a formidable combo. This was the perfect mix of speed and power. The talented Chavo Guererro and Rob Van Dam worked hard against them, but ultimately fell to the superior team.

The best part of the following scrap was Bobby Roode's reaction to his partner Joseph Park. He made it watchable and helped push the Park character throughout. After a beat down by Robbie E and Zema Ion Joseph tapped into Abyss territory and nailed a Black Hole Slam. Roode then capitalised, making a blind tag and pinning Ion to pull off the win.

With two members of Aces and Eights on the other side of the ring it seemed to be an uphill battle for Hernandez and newcomer Alex Silva. Supermex did try his best, but the might of Devon and DOC proved too much. DOC pinned Silva to see his team progress.

The final tag team match of the night was entertaining in more than one way. This saw big men Matt Mogan and Robbie T square up to Joey Ryan and Al Snow. This was particularly fun as Morgan/Ryan are of course connected and Al Snow has beef with them too. The finish came as Snow and T left Ryan and Morgan to trade blows. After a few exchanges a 'Carbon Footprint' sealed Ryan and Snows fate.

The shows finale was the 12 man battle royal for $100,000. James Storm and Bobby Roode kicked things off and every two minutes a new competitor entered the fray. Roode and Storm fought each throughout, but did team up to eliminate DOC (which fans liked a lot). The action here moved along at a fair rate and the eliminations came thick and fast. It was good to see Robbie T show his mettle by eliminating a few bodies here. The same goes for Matt Morgan.

This was all about James Storm though. He started the match and ended it with his former tag team partner Bobby Roode. This final sequence was timed perrfectly. Roode though he had eliminated Storm, but he skinned the cat and sent Roode to the apron, one 'Last Call' superkick later and Roode hit the ground. Storm stood victorious and netted himself a nice pay day too.

Joker's Wild was a very well received and presented offering by TNA. The idea of theming events and bypassing storylines seems to be working well. It was also good to see that the company have re-found their faith in James Storm too. Here's hoping he gets to rise to the top again and wear the gold once again.

Rob Van Dam Interview Highlights

The Shining Wizards Podcast is featuring an interview with Rob Van Dam. Here are somehighlights from the interview.

Training with the Original Sheik: He was there almost always, in fact he didn’t like us to train without his presence. Which we did once in a while, especially more once we reached a certain level, where we understood the basic fundamentals, and at a certain point his nephew Sabu could teach us and it was only like 3 or 4 of us. It was a real personal, family like atmosphere, some other guys would come and go, but they never stuck around, our training was so stiff. We just got taught how to manhandle each other, squeeze each other and try and pin each other. That was the way we got trained, it was a really stiff style. That’s how we broke in. The Sheik was always besides the ring when he was there, once in a while he would get in the ring to really try and drive a point home. Usually the ring was outside, depending on the location, but i remember a lot of times it was in his backyard, and we would be working out in the ring and he would be in a chair soaking up some sun with some suntan oil all over him.

Having Second Thoughts on being a wrestler: I am sure there were, I don’t remember them happening during training. There were a few points early in my career when I thought, jeez what am I doing? I should be in college preparing for something else. I don’t have what it takes to make it. That certanly happened. I remember one time early on, in my career, it was 91, I had my 21st Birthday at a wrestling show in Jamaica. And we wrestled at Coney Island amusement park in Kingston and we had like 3 shows there over 3 nights. It was an awesome deal and a great experience, for me to travel somewhere like that, just everything about being there. The island, the feel, the reggae music. I had second thoughts then, I wrestled this dude named Mark Starr , and I did something, cause I was green at the time. I don’t know what it was, he just took it to me, and ended up PowerBombing me 3 times and pinning me. This was my first match after doing interviews for newspapers, and everything. I was pretty upset about it, and I had to check my gut later on that night, and fight down some thoughts of possible resentment, or regret. I had a scholarship to college. What the hell am I doing here? I don’t fit in with these guys. I hate these guys. During training, training was stiff, your sides hurt from hitting the ropes when you start and you have bruises on them. Let alone hitting the mat, I always went home with headaches. At that point I don’t remember ever doubting my choice. Not until I got into the actual business world of it.

On other wrestlers taking liberties on him when he first started: Oh sure, thats just part of the coming up. Thats part of what you do. You’re at a disadvantage, because you’re just trying to do the right thing. It’s not like it’s an all out fight in the street where you just wanna like take the guys eye ball out and leave him laying there with a punch to the throat or something. You’re trying to be respectful to him and the business. And you’re trying to gauge the whole ratio between entertainment and the physicality thats going on. So when you’re young and green like that it defiently happens. It’s not like an all out challenge, its about using tools against you that you don’t even know, they can use yourself against you at that point. Nothing comes to mind at the moment, but it happens. I remember one time in Japan, when I first started wrestling in Japan. I was young and green. I wore this happy coat like it was a karate gi. It was actually what japanesse wear when they get out of the bathtub, so they must have thought I was an idiot. I tied a black belt around it, and I had electric tape that I put around my ankles for some reason. For whatever reason, I thought I was getting support out of that. So they would kick the sh## out of me. Kawada would make it a point of not reacting to when I was kicking him, and then he would kick the sh## out of me and at first I really took offense to it, then it really fired me up. Made me want to give back, then I realized, thats what he wanted, thats what the match needed. Out of respect to him, you had to lay it in to him, or he can’t react to it. He was at that level. That really helped me step up my game. It was years later, that I was stepping my game up too much for most americans.

Using his Martial Arts Kicks in Wrestling: When I was training with Sabu, one time in the backyard. It was just Sabu and I, no Sheik. We were talking about a move. Which I still use today, in fact a form of that, is when I kicked Abyss and knocked his teeth out about a year ago. Sabu said you’re a martial artist, you should be able to control anything. I said it would be cool to jump off the second rope and do a flying spinning back kick, but I don’t really know how to do that without killing you. He said try, and I was like if I do it Bam, I can’t imagine it not knocking your head off. Sabu said, just try, and if you knock my head off, then try and pull back next time. I said, that sounds crazy, and he said just do it. So I bounced off the ropes and I kicked him so hard, he had to eat through a straw for 2 weeks. I felt really bad, but sure enough, he was back and wanted to try that kick again.

Training With Sabu: I think that our like minded opinion of what was entertaining and what was exciting to see that helped us really get along at that stage. I was acrobatic, mostly from showing off on a diving board or trampoline. And at that point I was kickboxing, so I was able to show Sabu how to do some backflips and stuff. He had a crazy way of doing it, it looked wild. It worked for him, and he was teaching me, arm bars, arm drags, stuff i needed to add to my repertoire. And we both really liked the same wrestlers, when we watched TV. We were drawn towards the same style. We both enjoyed someone who was considered a high risk flyer. It made an impression on people.

WCW: December of 92 to May of 93. Bill Watts hired me, through Ron Slanker. He was a promoter at the time, the same promoter who had given me the name Rob Van Dam. The first promoter to look at me, when I was 20, not old enough to drink, he saw me in USWA. Ron Slanker was there to visit his son in law, Tex Slazenger. He told me, not only that he was going to be running shows in Tampa, at the Sportatorium, and that he wanted my info and he would like me to come down there. He also told me, I would be World Champion someday. He said I might be wrong about you kid, but I wasn’t wrong about Curt Henning, I wasn’t wrong about Savage, he named a couple of guys. He said I have got this feeling about you. He was the first person to put that confidence in me that made me feel like, ya know I don’t know if I am better then a bunch of the other guys in the dressing room or not , but I am going to go for it like I am and see what I can get out of it. So Ole Anderson took over from Bill Watts in WCW, February of 93 when I did my first tour with All Japan. WCW wrestlers wrestled for New Japan which was the competition. I had this previous booking in All Japan in 92, so when I went to work for Bill Watts he said, go ahead do the booking. When I came back he was gone, and Ole had taken over. And I didn’t have that interest from him that I had from Bill Watts, he was putting me down, I was either getting beat on a regular basis or I was having dark matches giving guys tryouts. And I was young and green, but I still had enough self worth and business sense to decide to leave against the veterans wishes. They said I was crazy to leave, I was on TV and I have only been working a couple of years. I went and worked Independents, and made a lot moremoney doing that. And I also wouldn’t advise some of you young green kids to go the route that I did. I have no regrets, I walked away from every single company that I worked for until this point, with the exception of the USWA. I left WCW, I left WWE twice, I left All Japan, I left ECW, and fact is, I never regretted it.

Not being booked for the 1st ECW PPV: I am sure there was a reason. I don’t know why I wasn’t booked on the 1st ECW PPV. It wasn’t my job to make the matches. That was Paul Heyman’s. I am sure when he put the card together, he had a reason for not putting me on it, and I took offense to it. So I entertained the first offer that Eric Bischoff put on the table to go to WCW.

How ECW Countered the WCW Offer: He knew that things were looking like I may be going to WCW. The fans believed it, the internet reports believed it. Paul had a great idea, he said, what if we could use this momentum and capitalize on it and put the entire spotlight of the industry on you. I said what are you talking about. He said, what if everyone is expecting you to go to WCW, and we announce that you are going to Monday Nights where you belong, and we pull a switch. What if I can get you on WWF TV. And I was like, what the hell are you talking about. He is telling us, how Vince and him hate each other, how WWF wants us to die, cause we are in there backyard. I had no idea, they had a working relationship the whole time we were running, till I watched that DVD documentary, that was my first proof. He denied it all along the way. I said yeah, that sounds awesome, I am an opportunist and I could go to WCW, which by the way, the idea was to put me under a mask and make me the Mortal Kombat character, Glacier. I wasn’t wanting to do that, and I ended up not doing that. That wasn’t the entertaining part of the offer to me, it wasn’t the gimmick, we were talking numbers and stuff. Went to WWF TV while still working for ECW, which to the best of my knowledge hadn’t been done. I am all about jumping fences and breaking records and finding ways to put my mark on history, and I thought this was a great way to do it. On WWF TV I was a heel, and when I went back to ECW I was a heel because they thought I worked for WWF.

Wrestling Jerry Lynn: Every time that we wrestled we clicked right away. Since the first time we wrestled each other. Because of that, he has been one of my favorite guys to work with, and has produced my favorite match. If you had never seen an RVD match, I would show you an RVD/Jerry Lynn match to impress them. Including the last match that I had with him, a few weeks ago ,awesome match, everything was just great, everything a wrestling match should be. A kind of match, that not only the fans, but the boys in the back know that they wouldn’t survive one of those matches, everything so physical and everything was just there. I would put that match up against any of the matches we have had. Big loss to the business with Jerry Lynn tapping out.

His thoughts on weather Vince wanted the ECW Brand to be successful in WWE: No, No. I think that his ego was more important to prove that WWE was superior to ECW, then it was to try and do business. I think the king wants to be the king, and wants any competition to be visibly destroyed and devalued so everyone knows the king is the king.

His feelings on how the WWE was using RVD: I thought that the caliber of wrestlers that I was working with was great. I was in there with Main Event guys, the top stars of the industry, most respected wrestlers in the world. To be in there with them, and to be able to do some of my stuff, of course sometimes I felt held back. At Different times I was able to still show off, like when I had the hardcore title. Which is what I am out there to do, impress the people with my style, my way of doing things. My unique perspective of a fighting style that I can show with this world of entertainment. I was cool with it, but I was frustrated with the politics. But I didn’t have higher goals then where I was at, I didn’t have it in my mind, screw all these guys, I should be the one with the belt, I should be the one making the most money. I never had that in me. In fact, I never thought, and still don’t think I would have ever been World Champion had I not, personally changed the entire playing field in order to make that a possibility. By bringing back ECW, and spawning a 3rd brand and needing me to represent it. None of that would have happened without me, and my passion and desire for that, so otherwise I really didn’t think I would be wrestling main event single matches against the Undertaker and Steve Austin. I was cool with that, and I was starting to see how much more money they were getting then I was getting, and then I didn’t feel like we were on equal terms like we were in the fans eyes.

Injuring Triple H during the 1st Elimination Chamber: That was the only night that Vince McMahon ever called me, to tell me Hunter was ok. He knew I was concerned for a lot of reasons. I was visibly upset about it. I knew that it was a real big deal, and I never want to hurt anyone anyway. This was something, that was an accident. I wasn’t comfortable jumping off of there, it wasn’t my idea to do it. Just being off like that, BAM. Yeah and its Hunter, it wasn’t good, and they wanted me to know they understood. Vince was super cool about it.

Rumors of having heat about busting people open: When I came in, no one knew how to take the Van Daminator. I split open Booker T, Raven, Steve Austin, Test, everybody. The internet was going crazy with it. I had a match with Kurt Angle, and he got busted open, between the chin and the lip, I hit him with a leg drop on the table, and boom he was busted open. And when I was walking back, I passed Vince, and I said, Oh Vince, sorry about your boy, and Vince said, well next time he will learn to turn his head.

On Concussions: Its a very physical job. I am part of the Brain and Spine donation program through Chris Nowinski. I am part of that program, I am one of those people that have received hundreds and hundreds of concussions. Even now its like once every couple of months. I hit the back of my head, Bam, my equilibrium is off,or the sound is off and everything is in slow motion. You don’t even know when you’re watching, you think you’re in the know, but you don’t know. For me, I feel like I still have it together. I feel like I am in the minority. My friends and I talk about this, some of them are MMA Fighters, Football Players, a lot of these guys have had a lot of concussions, and some of them tell me, they know they have long term damage due to concussions. It surprises me how many of my friends have that and live with that. Weather its headaches, or dizziness, or fogginess or they lose their train of thought. They tell me they relate it to concussions, and me, who has had so many concussions, I thank my lucky stars that I am able to still feel like all the damage is temporary so far.

Bloodletting in Wrestling: I’ve never been a fan of blading. Its funny, cause the Sheik was the master of blading. The Original Sheik he bladed everybody, he cut everybody up. I have never been a fan of that, thats not what I like about the business. However when I am busted open hardway, I’m proud. Because, one I think its good for the business, and two, I am out there to show how tough I am, and thats why for over 20 years, I have been wrestling the same style, taking those DDT’s on my head, and those crazy bumps. I have been taking all that for so many years, I feel like its my position professionally to show how much punishment I can take, cause that’s one of my strengths.

WWE Departure: I was pretty much burnt out. It was nonstop travel. Going town to town to town to town, and the meaning behind it faded for me. I needed time away. So I took it. They had burnt me out, way past the point of being burnt out. It was something I knew I may never recover from. The thought about going back to that full time schedule hurts my chest thinking about it.

Arrival in TNA: I was excited to be there. I liked the business end of it. I wouldn’t have gone unless we worked out a deal that was cool for me. Which meant more balance in my life then I had with WWE. It was a big deal that I was there. As I was ready to make my debut the fans were chanting RVD while they were waiting to enter the building.I was glad to be back I was ready to get some exposure. I was wrestling a lot over seas, and the fans in the states hadn’t seen me. I knew getting back on TV would be good for me.

TNA Leaving the Impact Zone and if its a plus for TNA: I think that remains to be seen. Its a optimistic, hopefully adventure. The bigger crowds look much better on TV. Hopefully TNA hitting all these towns with bigger promotion then they do with the house shows, the live events, hopefully that will help the brand recognition get out there more. Its a lot more expensive to run shows on the road, then it is in the studio. Its more work for us, a lot more travel, we had routine. I love my flight from LAX to Orlando. I love the routine. Now, we gotta go places, where its cold and snow. Flight connections to the smaller cities, few hundred mile drives. There are a lot of different ways to look at it. Being a traveler, I am looking at it like that. Hopefully it will get the brand recognition out, it will look better on TV. So we shall see.

About finishing his career in TNA: Not necessarily. I really don’t look that far ahead. I go with the flow. I don’t know, when I will be completely finished and where I will be when I make that decision.

TNA DVD Review - Bound For Glory 2012

TNA DVD Review - Bound For Glory 2012

By Phil Allely

TNA's annual PPV Bound For Glory is an event the entire roster and loyal fan base cannot wait to be a part of. This is the companies biggest event of the year it features a weekend full of fan interaction events and guest appearances by roster members old and new. BFG 2012 not only promised to deliver in the ring (Ace's &8's vs Bully Ray/Sting, Roode vs Storm, Hardy vs Aries), but also paid homage to the Icon Sting with the first TNA Hall of Fame induction.

This DVD is the first to become available via TNA's new deal with UK distributors Clearvision and it is a long-awaited release (fans have been without TNA DVDs for some months now).

The opening match saw Rob Van Dam challenge Zema Ion for the X Division Title in a fun match-up.

Former tag team partners Magnus and Samoa Joe then had a pretty decent scrap for Joe's TV Title next.

Surprisingly a match the magnitude of the Storm/Roode Streetfight was relegated to third of the night. The good news was that the pair really had their work boots on here and risked life and limb to put forth one hell of a match-up. Weapons we used frequently, blood flowed and special enforcer King Mo kept his distance, allowing the former best friends to pulverise each other in and out of the ring.

The Joey Ryan/Al Snow encounter had potential and even saw an appearance by one of company's best big men too.

Of the three thrown together teams in the Tag Team Title match (Styles/Angle, Kazarian/Daniels) the combo of Hernandez/Chavo have rove dot be the one with the most potential. They do that old school thing of combining strength, speed and experience. Making their team a formidable one. The match was fun and well-paced. The result went down a storm too.

Former friends and knockout tag champions Tara and Miss Tessmacher faced off for Tessmacher's Knockouts Title next. As women's matches go this was above par and allowed each the chance to shine.

Highly anticipated (due to the pacing of the storyline) was the Ace's & 8's versus Sting/Bully Ray match. This was a good old fashioned brawl, no finesse at all in the moves and it suited the ageing Stinger and rough-housing Ray to perfection. Sting and Ray fared well until the numbers game got the better of them. This match is worth re-viewing for the run-ins and shock ending too.

In the main event spot was the World Heavyweight Title encounter between Champ Austin Aries and the back in form Jeff Hardy. This was a match where moves came thick and fast, both men chose their spots and for the main hit them perfectly. Your reviewer does wonder what a match between an in his prime Hardy and Aries would have been like (we can but dream). The bout flew along at a decent rate and allowed both to take risks. The ending came as a total surprise to many. I'll not ruin that for you here.

DVD wise we get a nice set of extras too. There is the Before The Bell show, Stings Hall of Fame Ceremony footage, interviews and fan interaction footage.

Bound For Glory 2012 is available now form Clearvision and all good retailers.

RRP £14.99

www.clearvision.co.uk

www.impactwrestling.com

By Phil Allely

Rob Van Dam Interview Highlights

Rob Van Dam was recently interview by Brian Fritz of Between The Ropes. Here are some highlights. Whether or not he has thought about slowing down or changing his style in the ring: No bro! I’m a showoff. That’s my whole job is to show what I have and my problem is the opposite. My problem is I’m always only allowed to show 10% of what I got. You know what I mean? People ask ‘I want to see more Van Daminators’. Well, that’s cool but it’s illegal to bring a chair in. I happen to be in a company that has a certain style where, if I brought the chair in and did it every single night, it might not mean as much. But back in the ECW days, that was the standard. So every night, I knew I was going to be able to give the fans their money’s worth whether it was a house show, TV or even on pay-per-view. I like to show that I can take more punishment than the other guys. I like to show that I’ve got flashy moves. I like to show that I have creativity by bringing in other factors and elements besides a regular, boring, one fall match inside the squared circle. Whether or not he would still be in wrestling if TNA had not been around when he signed with the company in 2010 or even right now: Who knows? I didn’t think so at one point after I had left WWE. You know, a lot of fans seem to think that the weed bust got me kicked out of WWE or something. People that really follow it saw that I stayed there for a while but I see that a lot on the Internet. And you know it’s always true if it’s on the Internet! I did the time there and when my contract ran up and left in favor of not living on the road in a different town every single day, flying and driving, then trying to cut through the tension of the dressing room to get to my bag. I left there and I was so burned out because, while I was burned out, things were getting worse the last several months. I had it in my contract that I’d have a weekend off once a month which they never gave me. And then towards the end, after I was bi###ing about that, they started booking me twice a day to do two shows. I said you guys are crazy! And when I left, there was a while where I thought man, I don’t care if I ever step on an airplane again, I’ve had so much of it. I don’t care if I step in the ring again, I’ve had so much of it. And, you know, my priorities were different at that moment, what I needed in my life. I thought I might not wrestle again. I didn’t even know. I was open to seeing what life might bring me. It did end up bringing me back. It wasn’t in a hurry, that’s for sure. Whether not he came close to returning to WWE before signing with TNA: I actually contacted WWE when it looked like things might work out with TNA’s contract. I emailed Johnny (Laurinaitis) and I actually said are you sure there isn’t a part-time schedule there. I even had some ideas where they would come out financially ahead of me, paying me a limited amount of dates but it never, the conversation never got as far as me explaining what my idea was. I did explain it to Dixie (Carter), the same scenario. Johnny has responded with they’d love to have me there, please reconsider and do full-time because they need me there the whole time. I was not even thinking about doing that. Even now, I can’t imagine going back to that crazy ass schedule that I worked with them. I’m grateful that I had that time with them. Right now, at this stage in my career, it’s even less appealing than it was prior to coming to TNA.

Rob Van Dam Interview Highlights

The Phoenix New Times is featuring an interview with TNA wrestler, Rob Van Dam. Here are a few notes from the interview. RVD on the differences between wrestling for TNA and WWE: "In Total Nonstop Action, individual wrestlers have a lot more freedom to artistically express themselves versus WWE," Van Dam explained. "When we have our matches, they are known to be more athletic, more competitive in nature, and that's what wrestling fans really appreciate. And the fact there's more of a focus on wrestling in Total Nonstop Action over the other major company on TV. Whereas WWE has been known to feature more of the 400-pound giants that aren't necessarily going to [perform] quite as impressively. TNA focuses more on the wrestler's abilities and skills and gives them a chance to shine out there in front of the fans. "It's also more of an up-close-and-personal experience where wrestlers are more accessible and there's a lot of times spent on meeting the fans. And Bound For Glory will be no different and we'll be there on October 14 with a big meet-and-greet. The day before that is also something called 'TNA Fan InterAction,' which all the top stars will be there as well. People can meet and talk to their wrestlers and get their photos taken with 'em." RVD on Ryback asking him for permission to use his airbrush artist: "Ryback reached out to me and asked for permission to use the same airbrush artist that I use, Joe Holland in Savannah, Georgia," he said. "The guy's been making me the same outfits since like 1995 and he doesn't do a lot work for wrestlers. And I'm all for anyone that can make more business off of things they do for me. Ryback has my blessing [and] I'm flattered that he's a fan of mine. He's been very respectful in reaching out to me. I haven't met the guy but have nothing but respect for him."

TNA Sacrifice 2012 Review

TNA Sacrifice 2012 Review By Phil Allely Scarifice was main evented by a match that many thought could be the one where World Champ Bobby Roode would see his winning streak end. This was after all his challenger Rob Van Dam’s kind of match. The match itself worked well, both men went all out to impress and RVD was certainly not ‘phoning it in’ as he has been known to do. After a plethora of career shortening moves the Roode capitalised on a weakened Van Dan to grab his title and remain champ. The show kicked off with the team of Daniels and Kazarian facing off against the formidable unit of Magnus and Samoa Joe. Gelling well the teams traded near falls and power moves with ease, however champions Magnus and Joe fell to the cunning of their opponents and lost their gold. Next up Gail Kim retained her Knockouts Title in a short and reasonably sweet cat fight with Brooke Tessmacher. The ever improving Tessmacher worked hard but couldn’t beat Kim this time around. The TV Title match between champion Devon and Robbie’s E & T was nothing special, but did set up some tension in the Robbie’s camp. Devon took advantage of a miscommunication to nail both men and cover T for the win. Jeff Hardy and Mr Anderson had a fine brawl that highlighted their work ethic and in-ring ability. They both attempted each other’s finishers and battled in and around the ring. The end was controversial though, Anderson snatching a quick pin as Hardy seemed to kick out. Crimson’s impromptu encounter with Eric Young was a combination of comedy and stiff moves. EY and ODB both felt the wrath of the undefeated big man and got minimal fight to him, before Crimson took control and put EY down for the three count. Picking up the pace Austin Aries tackled Bully Ray in a really inviting bout. The size advantage of Ray balanced out the speed and agility advantage of Aries here. The crowd were well into this one and the result seemed to be anybody’s, the arrival of Joseph Park to ringside swung it but, allowing Austin to nail Ray and pick up the win. AJ Styles and Kurt Angle proved once again why they are true main event calibre grapplers in TNA next. Trading trademark moves, near falls and more form the get go the duo never let up (save the odd rest hold). The end sequence here was marred slightly by Daniels interfering to distract Styles, Angle getting a tap out win. A post match beat down on AJ by Kaz and Daniels saw Kurt make the save. This paved the way well for the ECW style ladder match main event. Sacrifice was a night of ups and downs for TNA, a few finishes fell flat (interference wise) and need to be eased out for more traditional definitive pinfall wins. RVD proved himself to be back on form in his challenge for the world title. Magnus and Joe’s tag title loss was a surprise and we have to hope they get a re-match asap. Anderson and Hardy will surely face off again. Style and Angle look set to team up and Austin Aries proved to the world that an X Division weight guy can stand toe to toe with the heavyweights. By Phil Allely

RVD Interview HIghlights

- Rob Van Dam recently spoke with The Miami Herald. Here are some highlights from the article:




His match with Jerry Lynn at TNA Destination X:



"I was very pleased with the match as was Jerry Lynn. We had a competitive bout as we’ve always did. That same spirit that used to drive us for our matches before definitely came out. We haven’t wrestled since 2001. It has been quite a while, but we were able to pick right up and feel that chemistry together. According to the reports from the office, our match was off the charts. Especially for what they wanted the focus to be on right now and what they want the young guys to pick up and learn. I was super happy with the match. Jerry and I know the more we wrestle each other, the better the match gets."



His style:



"Before, my style was considered a pioneer style that people weren’t to, but now even on a pay-per-view like Destination X, everyone is flying and flipping. It’s the nature of that division. There are a lot of wrestlers who have been influenced by those earlier matches. Especially those matches that Jerry Lynn and I had in the 1990s. I don’t feel like right now, even after being in the business for as long as I have, anyone wrestles like me. I still stand out. Nobody does most of my RVD moves.



The truth is a lot of it is because they can’t. Some of it is out of respect. A lot of it is because normal people can’t jump off the apron and do a 360-degree spin in the air, then come back on one leg, with the other leg coming down on somebody on the guard rail. Normal people can’t do that. Normal wrestlers can’t do that, or they will get injured. That is still one of the things that set me apart. That’s not going to change."



Young stars not asking him for advice and a possible knock at Generation Me:



“I feel like I get respect, but not in that way. I’m open to it. Most of the guys, I don’t know if they don’t feel welcome to ask me or any of the other veterans or what. That is probably an issue that we have is the young guys should ask some of the older guys. They should be saying, ‘Hey, watch my match. Let me know what I can improve on.’ That never happens enough. Some of the young guys who are or were there, I don’t want to mention any names. There were two young guys who just left and looked like they were out of high school. The whole time they were there, they never introduced themselves or shook my hand. Things are way different than they used to be."



His time with TNA:



"I can’t say that I have been utilized to the fullest. I’d say very much not, but I don’t want that to come off as a complaint because I really like my deal with TNA. I’m very professional and there for whatever they need me to do. Having said that, I still care about my character and my career, and I’m very easy to get along with."



TNA not having brand recognition:



"We don’t have it. We have less than a handful of third party licensees, where as the big companies like with WCW there were a lot more. When they were around, they had a couple a hundred licensees. We need to get the TNA Impact Wrestling brand out there.



The most common comment I hear every day from fans that spot me for the first time at a restaurant, mall or beach. The one comment I get is, ‘RVD, you’re my favorite wrestler. What happened? Are you not wrestling anymore? Why did you retire?’ I get that all the time. It’s not a bad downside for the deal I have, but it’s something I put up with. I’m always like an ambassador. I would say, ‘You got Spike TV? The show is on Thursday nights at 9.’



That tells me there is a void there, where a lot of wrestling fans have yet to catch onto this product. Brand recognition is so important. When I was with WWE, people would have me sign merchandise that I didn’t even know existed. I would go, ‘What the f---? There is an RVD outlet cover for your wall? I had no idea.’



With TNA, unfortunately right now, we are dealing with T-shirts, action figures, trading cards and then a few key chains or something. That is all we got. We have a handheld game, I guess. I don’t think that many people know about it. Then we have a big void. I’m hoping at this weekend at the Comic-Con in San Diego that the TNA office will meet some third party licensees."

TNA DVD Review - Genesis 2011

TNA Genesis 2011 DVD Review

By Phil Allely

Genesis was TNA’s first PPV offering of 2011 and now we can all enjoy it at home with this new DVD release version of the event. So what makes it worth purchasing?

Kicking things off Kazarian (representing Immortal & Fortune) took on fellow high flyer and risk-taker Jay Lethal in an entertaining and dangerous X Division Title scrap.

Next up the two ladies who rank high in the rejuvenated Knockouts Division Mickie James and Madison Rayne faced off for Rayne’s cherished women’s singles strap. The talented James was more than able to carry the ever-improving Rayne to a great bout.

Anytime the two best combos in the wrestling business (in this writers opinion) meet in the ring it is a special thing, throwing the TNA World Tag Team belts into the mix make that even more special. Tag Champs the Motor City Machineguns against Beer Money had so many high spots it’s hard to pick them out. Sabin/Shelley and Roode/Storm blend together so well they make pure wrestling poetry when they meet.

The most decorated tag team in wrestling (Team 3D) continued their implosion as Brothers Ray and Devon took their annoyance out on their (storyline) sibling.  The arena and ringside area became a war zone for this encounter, both not wanting to give up and unleash much pain on the other.

AJ Styles being genuinely injured led to Abyss taking his place against Television Champion Douglas Williams.

The following encounter was shaded in secrecy and suspense from the get go, former TNA Heavyweight Champion Rob Van Dam was about to face a handpicked opponent by Immortal’s Eric Bischoff. When it was stated that RVD was going to get Hardy, (of course World Champ Jeff Hardy was off the card) we thought we knew what was coming, but what we got was his brother and former WWE superstar Matt Hardy (sporting a new look). This was a wonderfully heated pairing, both men have faced each other before and both have something to prove as former champ and TNA new boy respectively.

Jeff Jarrett and the returning Kurt Angle put forth a vicious at times MMA challenge brawl next, the pair exchanging holds, moves, offensive and defensive holds. Angle even bladed to pump up the adrenaline.

The main event was designed to determine the number one contender for Jeff Hardy’s World Heavyweight Championship. Mr Anderson (fresh off his enforced concussion based sabbatical) squaring off against the hugely imposing Matt Morgan. Anderson was on fine form and showed no signs of his recent injuries.

This was also the night that Mr Anderson saw his Title dreams come true, yes there is an impromptu World Heavyweight Title match here as well.

Genesis was a superb opener in TNA’s 2011 PPV assault and one that proved that the company do have a great product and roster on hand to get it over. This DVD is an great way to remember how the company kicked off the year.

Rob Van Dam Recent interview highlights

Rob Van Dam participated in an interview with Stu Stone of MTV’s Blowin U and discussed his tenures with ECW and WWE. He also explained why he believes he is bigger than TNA.




“It’s different fun. When I was in ECW, all the major companies were jockeying for me and trying to sign me up. I was building my name up and at the same time i was using my momentum for the betterment of the company,” Van Dam said.



“Now I’m a bigger star than the company actually because TNA doesn’t have the name brand recognition yet.”



RVD made similar comments last August in the following blog post on his official website, which garnered a negative reaction in the locker room. It also prompted then-TNA talent Kevin Nash to lash out at RVD on Twitter.



“I’d imagine a lot of the old TNA guys are feeling like they’re taking a back seat. The thing is…you can’t argue with the numbers. Last week TNA broke new all-time records for ratings! TNA needed a change. The 6-sided ring and the great technical wrestlers -that nobody knew-wasn’t working. TNA brought in two rock stars, and look at the company now! Dixie often points out how hiring Jeff Hardy and RVD started a whole new era, why do some of the wrestlers not see it? Too, young, too green, too selfish to have the correct perspective. Whereas some of the TNA “stars” are lucky to get recognized walking around the studios, Jeff and myself live like actual celebrities, signing autographs and taking pictures EVERYWHERE we go. Without experiencing this, it’s probably hard to imagine. In fact, very few wrestlers stick out in people’s minds the way that Jeff and I do. WE love our fans and we love their love. TNA is blowing up. Good things will come our way and I see it all happening now.”



“This is a very exciting time. More people watching TNA means more people exposed to the other wrestlers on the card too…as long as they’re good enough to hang around with the rising standards.”

New TNA Impact Pics

t

final card for Sunday's Victory Road pay-per-view

Coming out of last night's TNA iMPACT, here is the final card for Sunday's Victory Road pay-per-view:


TNA World Title Match

Jeff Hardy vs. Sting



Ultimate X for the X Division Title

Jeremy Buck vs. Max Buck vs. Robbie E. vs. Kazarian



TNA Tag Team Title Match

Ink Inc. vs. Beer Money



TNA Knockouts Tag Team Title Match

Rosita and Sarita vs. Angelina Love and Winter



#1 Contender's Match

Rob Van Dam vs. Mr. Anderson



First Blood Match

Matt Morgan vs. Hernandez



Matt Hardy vs. AJ Styles



Tommy Dreamer vs. Brother Ray

New TNA Pics

TNA Dublin 24 January 2011 Personal Pics

here are a few pics taken at the TNA Dublin National Stadium show on January 24th 2011....

TNA Recent Impact Pics

Some pics from this weeks TNA Impact!

TNA promo pack shots of new snack packaging

Here are a couple of the new Tom's potato snack packets featuring TNA stars...

TNA Genesis 2011 Final Card

Tna-Genesis 2011Below is the final card for Sunday's TNA Genesis pay-per-view. As noted before, the X Division Title match will kick off the show.




#1 Contender's Match

Matt Morgan vs. Mr. Anderson



MMA Match

Jeff Jarrett vs. Kurt Angle



TNA Tag Team Title Match

Beer Money vs. The Motor City Machineguns



TNA X Division Title Match

Kazarian vs. Jay Lethal



TNA Television Title Match

AJ Styles vs. Douglas Williams



TNA Knockouts Title Match

Mickie James vs. Madison Rayne



Rob Van Dam vs. Mystery Opponent



Brother Ray vs. Brother Devon

TNA Genesis Card to Date

It was announced on iMPACT! that Rob Van Dam would be competing at Genesis against a mystery opponent selected by Immortal.




Below is the updated card for the Jan. 6 pay-per-view event:



TNA World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Match

Matt Morgan vs. Mr. Anderson



Rob Van Dam vs. Immortal’s Mystery Opponent



TNA Television Championship Match

Douglas Williams (c) vs. AJ Styles



TNA Tag Team Championship Match

Motor City Machineguns (c) vs. Beer Money, Inc.



TNA X Division Championship Match

Jay Lethal (c) vs. Kazarian



TNA Women’s Knockout Championship Match

Madison Rayne (c) vs. Mickie James



Brother Ray vs. Brother Devon

TNA Final Resolution - PPV Review

TNA Final Resolution - TNA End 2010 on a high




By Phil Allely



2010 has been a year of ups and downs with TNA, there have been many changes to the product and the behind the scenes moves and shakes have seen such people as Hulk Hogan, Eric Bischoff, RVD, Jeff Hardy and Ric Flair join the array of talent that the company has on hand. Final Resolution was TNA’s best shot at ending the year on a high and to a degree it did just that.



Opening things of were tag teams Beer Money and Ink Inc, Storm and Roode proved once again how integral they are to the TNA product by raising the game of their opponents Moore and Neal. The in-ring action was well paced and showed both teams to their best, Neal especially displaying much improved ability and psychology than before. A DUI to Neal after a missed spear saw Beer Money win and gain the Number 1 contenders place for the tag team gold.



With the addition of Mickie James and return of Tara to the fold the once mighty Knockouts division is back on track once more. James and Tara adding their brutal and exciting Falls Count Anywhere scrap to their recent spate of quality encounters. As cat fights go this was a blinder, both ladies going all out to beat each other about the ring, ringside area and anywhere else they could. The only thing to spoil this belter of a brawl was Madison Rayne’s run-in and belt shot to James that led to Tar’s win.



Next up TNA newcomer Robbie E defended his X Division gold against Jay Lethal, with E’s good lady Cookie holed up in a shark cage for the duration of the match. The pair put forth a decent and involving bout, trading high spots and near falls, the end coming after Cookie threw something to E that Lethal nabbed instead, referee Earl Hebner catching Lethal mid deed and DQ’ing him for his trouble. A pre and post show Shark Boy appearance and stunner on Cookie went down well too.



Former buddies Rhino and RVD were certainly up for their First Blood match too, both unleashing a decidedly old-school ECW style battle. A Van Dam Vanterminator with traditional trash can saw Rhino shed the claret and the match go down as a win for RVD.



The match of the night followed and in more ways than one showed that AJ Style is one of TNA’s best workers. His opponent Douglas Williams was no slouch either. The pairing moulded perfectly together to bring the audience in attendance and at home into their mini feud over Styles TNA Television Title. This was pure pleasure for fans of high risk moves, chain wrestling and hard-hitting action. Williams surprise win was an added bonus, doing so with his version of a Styles Clash even more so. The UK native is certainly high on TNA’s list of new stars at present.



Generation Me and The Motor City Machineguns was a close second for match of the night though. The added factor of the Tag Team gold on the line and a Full Metal Mayhem stipulation meant the fans expectations were high. Luckily both pulled out all of the stops and went through a roller coaster ride of a match that saw ladders, chairs, insane high-risk moves and some nice looking double teams. The Guns held on to the belts after a dangerous few posts involving tables, chairs and ladders, setting up a Beer Money/Guns title match down the line.



Abyss and The Pope Casket match was pretty good considering Abyss’ garbage wrestling style. The pair trading the advantage and pulling the old Undertaker casket lid closing tease a few times. Abyss however did appear to overpower Pope on many occasions and won with ease after a choke slam into the casket.



Samoa Joe’s post match assault by rogue security guys Gunner and Murphy gave Jeff Jarrett a distinct advantage in their Submission match. Jarrett held his own well against a weakened Joe, giving as good as he got, showing no mercy on Joe’s ankle injury and after a run-in distraction by Gunner & Murphy Jeff was able to nail the win by referee stoppage after an ankle lock.



The main event match between Matt Morgan and TNA Heavyweight Champion Jeff Hardy was a one sided affair at times, Morgan’s size and strength advantage leaving Hardy on the defensive a lot. The returning Mr Anderson as special referee also put Hardy’s back up, since he was the reason why Anderson (recovering form a concussion) wasn’t in the match instead of Morgan.



Hardy’s heel tactics and a few chair assisted shots weakened Morgan, though it was a ref bump that saw things sway the champs direction. With Anderson down Eric Bishoff and a referee (real life son) strode to the ring and caused enough disturbance for Hardy to put Morgan down with a Twist of Hate on a chair to retain his gold.



Hardy rounded off the PPV by celebrating on the ramp as a prone Anderson lay at ringside and Morgan slowly rose angrily in the ring.



Final Resolution was a very good effort by TNA, some of the finishes were not as popular as expected, Hardy’s continually erratic behaviour must worry management and the loss of some high profile names must be a strain on the writers. But it did sprout forth Douglas Williams TV Title win and master class effort with AJ Styles, which bodes well for the upcoming UK tour and a possible series between the two. The Tara/James brawl was intensely entertaining and Beer Money/Motor City Machineguns once more cemented their status as tag team division standouts.



The lack of Foley, EV2’s remaining members, Flair, Hogan and others didn’t affect proceedings at all and in fact let younger guys like Generation Me and Ink Inc get some valuable airtime. TNA have grown a lot in 2010, 2011 may just be the year they take their next big step to compete with their rivals the WWE. A rumoured return by some old faces and a fresh set of feuds may just do that.